Information on the accident cannot be released due to on-going investigations, but it appears Skye tried to cross Laurie Road when she was struck by the vehicle.
Skye was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to information received, Skye and her family immigrated to the United Kingdom some time ago and she was on holiday in South Africa with her twin sister.
Her sister was visiting friends in Elma Park on the day.
The cause of the accident and Skye’s subsequent death will form part of an investigation by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and SAPS.
Head of detectives for the Edenvale SAPS, Colonel Ben Baloyi, confirmed that a case of culpable homicide had been registered with the Edenvale SAPS.
“At this time, we are waiting for the post mortem report as well as additional statements from witnesses,” he said.
Spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said pedestrians and motorists need to eliminate distractions on the roads.
“Motorists need to be aware that they could encounter pedestrians at any time, even in places where they are not supposed to be found,” Supt Kgasago said.
He added that motorists can have difficulty seeing pedestrians “especially in bad weather or at night”.
“All motorists must be alert and slow down if they cannot see clearly,” he said.
He urged pedestrians to always be predictable.
“Stay off freeways and restricted zones. Make use of sidewalks where provided,” Supt Kgasago said.
EMPD offers useful tips for road users:
Spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said all children should be taught road safety from a young age.
“The most basic thing is to teach our children to cross roads and streets at corners, using traffic signals and pedestrian crossings where possible,” he said.
He urged parents to make sure their children make eye contact with motorists before crossing the road in front of a motor vehicle.
“Always watch out for vehicles turning into side roads or reversing from driveways,” Supt Kgasago said.
If there is a need to use a cellular phone while walking, stop and find a safe area to do so.
“Teach children to look up and pay extra attention when using headphones. Remove the headhones when crossing the street,” Supt Kgasago said.
He added that motorists need to look around for motorbikes and pedestrians who may not be immediately visible.
“Motorists should also reduce distractions, such as using cellular phones, and need drive at the speed limit – especially in residential neighborhoods,” Supt Kgasago said.
He added that motorists must give pedestrians the right of way and look both ways when turning. Drive slowly and carefully when entering and exiting driveways.
“Basically, it is important for both pedestrians and motorists to eliminate distractions when on the roads. It is advisable that children under the age of 10 cross a street with an adult. Every child is different but developmentally, it can be hard for children to judge speed and distance of cars until the age of 10,” Supt Kgasago said.
Tips for Drivers
You can encounter pedestrians anytime and anywhere, even in places where they are not supposed to be found.
When entering a crosswalk area, drive slowly and be prepared to stop.
Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. When you stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
Do not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
When turning, you often will have to wait for a gap in traffic. Beware that while you are watching for that gap, pedestrians may have moved into your intended path.
Be especially attentive around schools and in neighborhoods where children are active.
Tips for Pedestrians
Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing on-coming traffic.
Make it easy for drivers to see you, dress in light colors and wear retro-reflective material. It might be wise to carry a flashlight in dark areas.
Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but do not count on them paying attention. Watch out, make eye contact to be sure they see you.
Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person’s ability to drive.
Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane or high speed streets.
Readers comment on Skye’s death:
Anonymous: A very beautiful girl passed away on August 21. She was beautiful inside and out. She is loved and missed by many. RIP Skye. We love you. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Helen: We stay in a complex on Laurie Road and have requested on numerous occasions for something to be done. The council does not seem interested in the safety of all citizens. Laurie Road is a death trap. My condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
Carol: Over the past six years we have written letters to the necessary departments requesting traffic calming measures and was informed that it was impossible to implement. Nothing has been done to date about Terrace Road, so I would like to know, how many more people must die before anything will be done?
Myeni: I drove past the accident after it had just happened. I stopped to see if I could help only to see I was too late, her fate had already been decided. As a local firefighter this accident disturbed me a lot especially when I remembered that sometime last year a male driver crashed through the palisades of a nearby house and also died. These two roads, Laurie and Terrace are really death traps. May her soul rest in peace.
Erica: This is so sad, a very special friend was with her when she passed away. What was even more shocking is that her body was still there more than three hours later, which I find unacceptable. Thank you to those that helped her. Love and prayers to her friends and family.
Lorraine: This is awful I drove past the accident when it just happened and saw the girl and all the blood on the road when I came back that way I saw her lying under the silver blanket. Nothing will be done about speeding. My niece died on Terrace Road in April in the awful bike accident.
Corne: I am actually not surprised that this accident happened. People speed down Laurie Road on this straight piece all day long, especially taxi’s and trucks. In this case it was a vehicle transporter truck that had no vehicles on it. Traffic Calming measure should be put in place and the most logical solution would be a four way stop, roundabout or traffic light at the Alpine Road intersection.
Anonymous: Life is just way too short. Everybody please be careful on the roads, whether you are travelling by foot or by wheel. It is not just about knowing how you drive, it iss also about being aware of how other fellow drivers drive. Stay safe everyone. Rest in peace little lady. Her family must know that there are many people to support them through such a tragic time. God bless you all.
